Rather than re-inventing the wheel in terms of a balanced exercise
program, there are many DVDs and tv programs that go through a series
of exercises that require little to no equipment. You definitely do
not need anything fancy to get a terrific workout involving strength,
flexibility, and cardiovascular dimensions. Consider trying out
various ones from your local library to see what appeals..

A Wishner MSN, RN

02/13/14

I would be interested in people's ideas about how to get patients with
depression started on exercising. No question about its value, but
what have you done that works with this population..

Alene Nitzky Ph.D, RN

02/13/14

Prescribing exercise is a step in the right direction,
unfortunately few physicians or patients know the parameters for
safe and effective exercise. Physicians would do well to refer
their patients to a knowledgeable and certified exercise
professional such as a health coach or personal trainer. The idea
of being reimbursed or allowing tax deductions for prescribed
exercise is also a step in the right direction. let's start putting
our dollars to use in the right place!.

R.Schaal-Codd BSN, RN

02/13/14

While prescribing exercise may work for some of the population, there are many more patients that will not follow
through without guidance. The best way to increase the efficacy of exercise would be to write a script for the
patient with details as to frequency and duration of specific exercises based on their current level of fitness.
I can't see insurance companies paying for athletic trainers when they limit PT as they currently do. This may be
an accessible option as an additional outlet for orthopaedic physicians to oversee training at their primary care
facility. Of course the problem that remains is as usual paid time with patients..

Marie Freeman, BSc, MS, PT

02/13/14

Physical Therapists
are educated and
licensed to evaluate
strength, endurance,
range of motion,
flexibility, balance
and to perform gait
analysis. The
initial assessment
includes becoming
aware of any
contra- indications,
diagnoses and
medications which
could affect the
program. Based on
the evaluation,
well-versed in
age-related clinical
pathology, anatomy,
physiology and
psychology it would
appear physical
therapists are
best qualified to
prescribe exercise
regimens, progress
and/or alter them
when indicated and
know if or when to
refer participants
back to the
physician..

T McFarland, FNP-C

02/16/14

Motivational interviewing is a proven technique that engages the patient to develop their own best plan
for positive behavior changes, including exercise! I really DO give my diabetes patients a
&amp;quot;prescription&amp;quot;
for exercise; peaking their interest by telling them, &amp;quot;I would like to recommend something that is
not
available in any pharmacy or store at any price and that is not covered by insurance&quot;. I explain that &quot;it is
effective to lower BP, blood glucose, cholesterol, and for weight loss; it may help to elevate your mood,
improve your disposition, and help you sleep better, and some people find it even improves their libido.
It is
proven safe and effective, but to get the most benefit, it must be used every single day without fail -
would you be interested in a trial of this prescription?&amp;quot; By this time my patient is quite curious if
not fully
engaged and eager to try this unknown substance. Next we explore what s/he is willing to 'do' for this
beneficial substance and before the end of the visit, an agreement has been made for their own simple,
measurable,
attainable, realistic, and timely (SMART) goal for exercise! This is documented and included on their
aftercare plan, and evaluated during the follow-up visit.
Even patients who are elderly, or have neuropathy, amputations or balance issues have creative ways to
exercise safely! They truly want to be successful, and will thrive with encouragement and a plan..

rmiller

02/19/14

A sign in my
dentist's office
said,"There is
nothing the dentist
can do to overcome
what the patient
will not do." Same
holds true for MD's.
The bureaucrats
think they can
legislate people
into fitness, and
some think the
patient would
exercise if only the
doctor would
prescribe it. Ah,
how wonderful life
would be if it were
all this simple! Let
me wave my magical
medical wand!.

tracy fairchild

02/21/14

A great topic and
one that I'm
passionate about.
As a member of ACSM
I believe fully in
the Exercise is
Medicine campaign
and agree that
physicians may often
times be the front
line to helping
people find their
way to physical
activity. I agree
with Alene in that
there are
quality physical
activity
professionals that
could provide the
coaching, program
development,
physical activity
assessment, and
follow up to your
patients. There is
an OB practice near
where I live that
has an exercise
physiologist on
staff and she is
part of the well
rounded health care
plan that they
create for their
patients. Applause
to them!!.

Allan Radman, M.S., D.C.

03/02/14

So the fat M.D. is going to prescribe exercise - but only if he can
get paid for it? What do you think the patient is thinking when he is
told that he must begin an exercise regimen while staring at an obese
M.D.?.

D.C.Tj D

04/05/14

Allan, thanks for the childish comment. If you want to spew ignorance please remove the D.C. from your user name,and stop embarrassing your profession. There are numerous chiros that look like walking talking ads for metabolic syndrome so don't act like there's not.
For those interested in this subject read the books "Spark" and "conquering depression & anxiety through exercise"
It's well known that M.Ds receive no education in nutrition and exercise. However there are plenty of D.Cs & P.Ts that are equally clueless about the subject. My personal recommendation for anyone in a private practice would be to get certified as a CSCS by the NSCA or any certificate through the ACSM. Learn how to develop an appropriate and safe exercise program and if you want to get paid for your time charge cash. Also, having the know how will allow you to evaluate the treatment plan of another professional (PT DC) should you decide to referr out. Just because their profession says they know what they're doing doesn't always mean they do....

This survey is a poll of those who choose to participate and are, therefore, not valid statistical samples, but rather a snapshot of what your colleagues are thinking.

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